Arsenal & Man Utd Set For January Transfer Battle For WC Showstopper!

Vlaar missed the Gunners’s visit to Villa park this season but is being target by Arsenal and Manchester United.

Arsenal and arch rivals Manchester United are set to do battle in January for the signature of World Cup “showstopper”.

Louis van Gaal has moved to capture Arsenal’s defensive January target, Ron Vlaar per the Express.

The 29-year-old Dutchman has been heavy linked with a move away from Villa Park by January after his outstanding World Cup outing with van Gaal’s Netherlands. Vlaar is one of the most highly rated defenders in the Premier League, playing a key role in Villa’s sustained stay in the topflight over the past few seasons despite forecasts to the contrary.

With injuries and departures causing huge gaps in both Arsenal and United’s defence this season, it is expected that both will be going into the winter window with the acquisition of a true defensive leader as a top priority. Vlaar’s Premier League experience makes him a hot prospect as he is seen as having no need of adaptation which would be expected for players from foreign lands.

Both clubs will have to convince Vlaar against signing the new deal being proposed by the Villa board. While Arsenal can promise him top European football this season, Louis van Gaal may want to take advantage of the fact that a reunion will work out perfectly for both parties.

Arsene Wenger may want to move a little quicker if he’s to overcome the threat of United as his own defensive worries seem to be worse. The International break brought scares in all departments for the Gooners, with Koscielny not been able to feature for the French in their friendly with Portugal.

However, it is the opinion of an ex-Gooners defender that Wenger may actually pass up the opportunity to sign Vlaar, stating that it wouldn’t be an improvement on what we already have.

Martin Keown, wrting in his Daily Mail column, on Vlaar:

“If I’m going to be picky, I don’t think he’s not mobile enough”

“He played well at the World Cup for Holland as part of a back three but that was because he had quick players either side of him”

“He’s a solid player but before somebody like Arsenal or United go in for him, it’s important not to think of Vlaar the World Cup player but remember Vlaar Villa player last year”

“He is a good defender and obviously Villa won’t want to lose him but it’s different when you’re buying a player”

“You want them to improve on what you already have and I’m not sure he would at United or Arsenal”

As much as the ‘Taunt of Nistelrooy’ may be correct, we need an addition in January and if Vlaar is available, it would still be worth it to have a go. At 29, he may be looking to wind down his days in a top side, perhaps with the chance to get a hold on a trophy. For sure, he will add some weight to United’s side, and considering they are not in so many competitions this season, why should we not be making the move?

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